CORRESPONDENCE 


/tM  * 


RELATIVE 

TO  THE 


OF  THE 

FREE  FEOFLE  OF  COLOUR, 

IN  THE  UNITED  STATES . 

TOGETHER  WITH 

THE  INSTRUCTIONS  TO  THE  AGENT 
SENT  OUT  BY 

PRESIDENT  BOYER. 


orfc: 

PRINTED  BY  MAHLON  DAT, 
NO.  372,  PEARL-STREET. 


182  V, 


notice, 


In  prosecuting  an  agency  in  behalf  of  the  noble  objects  of  the  Amerb 
can  Colonization  Society,  1 found  the  public  feeling  generally  was  very 
favourable  to  the  Emigration  of  the  Coloured  People  to  Hayti.  A- 
mong  the  Coloured  People  themselves,  a preference  of  Hayti  over 
Africa  was  frequently  expressed,  and  among  the  whites,  there  was  not 
on[y  an  opposition  to  colonization  in  Africa  manifested  by  many,  but 
an  assurance  given  of  their  ready  aid  to  promote  emigration  to  Hayti. 
The  present  peaceful  state  of  the  island,  and  the  fair  prospects  before 
the  Haytiens,  of  having  their  Independence  acknowledged  by  other 
nations,  indicated  that  the  great  obstacles  in  the  way  of  emigration 
there,  which  had  hitherto  existed,  were  removed,  and  that  the  time 
had  now  come  to  aid  our  coloured  population  to  plant  themselves 
under  the  mild  climate  of  that  Island,  were  it  encouraged  by  the  Haytien 
government.  On  inquiry,  I found  very  little  was  known  definitely 
i 1 this  country,  what  the  views  of  that  government  were,  on  this  sub- 
ject. There  were  some  favourable  reports  brought  by  persons  of 
colour  who  had  been  to  Hayti ; others  gave  discouraging  accounts. 
Except  some  liberal  offers,  by  the  Secretary  Inginac,  which  I had  seen, 
the  information  obtained,  was  limited  and  uncertain.  Under  these 
circumstances,  the  letter  with  which  the  Correspondence  commences, 
was  addressed  through  the  Secretary  General,  B.  Inginac,  to  the  Presi- 
dent of  Hayti.  The  generous  reply  of  the  President,  together  with 
the  arrival  in  this  country,  of  his  agent,  Citizen  J.  Granville,  with 
ample  means  to  carry  into  effect,  the  philanthropic  overtures  of  Presr 
dent  Boyer,  shows  what  great  good  may  now  be  hoped  for  our  unhap- 
py countrymen,  who  are  the  objects  of  his  generosity. 

I will  add,  that  perhaps  I did  not  write  so  explicitly  as  to  leave  no  room 
for  doubt,  whether  I wrote  as  the  agent,  and  at  the  direction  of  the 
American  Colonization  Society, or  not ; yet,  if  more  explicitness,  (and 
the  want  of  it  was  unintentional,)  had  prevented  the  reply  of  the  Presi- 
dent, few,  probably  will  regret  that  the  delinquency  occurred,  ever 
though  they  may  not  excuse  the  delinquent. 


. tYcw-Yorlc,  June  15,  1S24. 


L.  D DEWEY. 


CORRESPONDENCE 


New-  York , March  4,  1 824. 

To  His  Excellency,  the  President  of  Hayti. 
President  Boyer, — 

The  important  and  interesting  subject  on  which 
I write,  is  my  reason  for  addressing  myself,  directly  to 
the  Chief  Magistrate  of  Hayti.  My  duty  as  Agent  of 
the  American  Colonization  Society,  as  well  as  my  own 
feelings,  leads  me  to  desire  information  on  every  point 
that  looks  like  affording  benefit  to  my  unhappy  colour- 
ed countrymen.  The  first  view  would  suggest  that 
mutual  benefit  might  result  to  them  and  your  nation, 
by  their  settlement  in  your  Island.  But  a moment’s 
reflection,  shows,  that,  this  must  depend  on  the  cir- 
cumstances under  which  they  shall  find  themselves 
placed,  when  removed  to  Hayti.  I am  not  ignorant 
that  you  have  made  offers  of  a favourable  kind,  and 
that  even  late  information  from  an  emigrant  with  you, 
shows,  that  you  afford  them  some  strong  motives  to 
migrate  to  your  Island  ; yet  I am  ignorant  of  many 
things,  which  would  be  necessary  to  be  known  before 
their  emigration  could  be  aided  by  the  Colonization 
Society. 

Will  you  then,  Mr.  President,  furnish  me  informa- 
tion on  the  following  points,  for  which  I shall  be  truly 
grateful,  and  which  may  be  very  useful  to  the  coloured 
people  of  this  country  ? 


4 


1.  Were  a number  of  families  to  migrate  to  Hayti, 
would  your  government  defray  any  part  of  the  expen- 
ses of  the  voyage,  assign  them  land  to  cultivate,  and 
aid  them  to  stock  their  farms  ? 

2.  To  what  extent  would  your  government  encour- 
age emigration — how  much  allow  to  each  family  for 
expense  of  passage — how  much  land  to  each  family — 
and  how  much  aid  to  stock  each  farm — and  to  how 
many  families  or  individuals  would  all  this  assistance 
be  given  ? 

3.  What  encouragement  would  be  offered  to  mecha- 
nics and  merchants  ? 

4.  Though  no  assistance  were  given,  would  the  op- 
portunity to  come  and  settle  in  your  Island,  to  any  and 
to  all  who  might  choose  to  migrate  there,  be  given  in 
the  same  unrestricted  manner  in  which  our  govern- 
ment gives  it  to  all  emigrants  from  other  countries — 
what  would  be  the  cost  of  lands  to  such,  and  could 
they  obtain  it  in  large  quantities,  so  that  numbers  could 
settle  down  in  the  same  neighbourhood  ? 

5.  How  far  is  toleration  extended  to  different  re- 
ligions ? 

6.  What  are  your  laws  in  reference  to  marriage,  and 
what  is  the  state  of  society  in  this  respect  ? 

7.  How  far  are  schools  supported  ? 

8.  Would  your  government  allow  the  Society  to 
plant  a colony  in  your  Island,  having  its  own  laws, 
courts,  and  legislature,  in  all  respects  like  one  of  the 
States  of  the  United  States,  and  connected  uith  and 
subject  to  the  government  of  Hayti,  only  as  each  state 
is  with  our  general  government ; and  would  land  be 
furnished  for  such  a colony  ? 

Full  information  on  these  points  would  be  esteemed 


5 


a great  favour,  and  were  the  answer  in  the  affirmative 
to  the  8th  inquiry,  or  to  the  first  part  of  it,  if  land 
could  he  purchased  in  sufficient  quantity  and  at  a suit- 
able rate,  I think  something  would  soon  be  done  to 
plant  a colony  under  your  government. 

You,  Sir,  are  aware  of  the  difficulties  to  be  encoun- 
tered in  forwarding  such  a settlement  in  the  man- 
ner the  Colonization  Society  would  do  it.  The 
funds  to  effect  it,  being  voluntary  aid,  the  givers  must 
be  well  satisfied,  that  it  will  go  to  benefit  those  for 
whom  it  is  given  ; they  will  therefore  inquire  closely 
into  the  advantages  of  government,  liberty,  &c.,  which 
the  coloured  people  are  to  have,  by  emigrating ; and 
the  coloured  people  themselves  must  be  well  satisfied, 
as  to  their  prospects.  Although,  their  condition  here, 
is,  in  most,  lamentable ; yet,  being  long  accustomed 
to  it,  and  in  a great  degree  ignorant,  uneducated,  even 
the  nominally  free,  they  are  not  aware  how  bad  it  is, 
and  therefore  must  have  some  very  obvious  advanta- 
ges to  gain,  before  they  will  change  it. 

There  are  many  whites  who  truly  lament  their  un- 
happy lot,  mourn  over  their  wrongs,  and  would  gladly  do 
any  thing  to  redress  them  ; but  they  find  that  such  is  their 
degradation,  and  public  opinion  towards  the  coloured 
people,  that  it  is  next  to  impossible  to  elevate  them  in 
moral  character,  and  to  benefit  them  in  this  country. 
The  abolition  laws  passed  in  this  state  and  others,  have 
only  tended  to  diminish  their  numbers  and  their  means 
of  support,  without  giving  them  any  real  advantage 
in  their  moral  or  civil  condition.  I speak  of  the  mass. 

These  benevolent  men,  therefore,  are  looking  for  an 
asylum  for  these  injured  sons  of  Africa,  in  some  other 
country,  and  they  believe,  that  should  the  government 


6 


of  Hayti,  be  able  to  unite  with  them,  very  much  for 
the  welfare  of  the  descendants  of  Africans,  and  the 
ultimate  benefit  of  Hayti,  might  be  effected. 

I hope,  Sir,  this  will  meet  with  that  favourable  re- 
ception you  are  accustomed  to  give  to  objects  of  high 
importance. 

I take  the  liberty  to  forward  to  you  a Report,  which 
will  give  you  some  information  as  to  the  designs  and 
operations  of  the  Society. 

With  high  respect,  I subscribe  myself  a sincere 
well-wisher  to  the  prosperity  of  your  government, 
and  an  ardent  friend  to  the  injured  sons  of  Africa. 

LOR1NG  D.  DEWEY. 

[translation] 

Liberty.  Equality. 

REPUBLIC  OF  HAYTI. 

Port-au-Prince,  SOth  April,  1824. 

YEAR  OF  INDEPENDENCE,  THE  21st. 

Jean  Pierre  Boyer,  President  of  Hayti,  to  Mr.  Loring 

D.  Dewey,  General  Agent  of  the  Society  for  African 

Colonization,  at  New-York. 

Sir, — I had  the  satisfaction  to  receive  the  letter  of 
the  4th  of  March  last,  which  you  addressed  to  me  ; 
the  contents  of  which  breathe  the  most  perfect  philan- 
thropy. To  consecrate  our  cares  to  meliorate  the  lot 
of  a portion  of  the  human  race,  sadly  borne  down  by 
the  weight  of  misfortune,  is  to  prove  the  excellence  of 
one’s  heart,  and  to  acquire  an  eternal  right  to  the 
gratitude  of  every  living  creature  that  can  feel.  And 
the  step  which  you  have  taken  in  reference  to  me,  in 


7 


favour  of  the  descendants  of  the  Africans,  who  are 
in  the  United  States,  and  who  are  compelled  to  leave 
the  country,  because  that,  far  from  enjoying  the  rights  of 
freemen,  they  have  only  an  existence,  precarious  and 
full  of  humiliation,  entitles  you  to  the  gratitude  of  the 
Haytiens,  who  cannot  see  with  indifference  the  calami- 
ties which  afflict  their  brethren. 

As  soon  as  I was  informed  of  the  resolution  taken  in 
the  United  States  to  transport  into  Africa  our  unhappy 
brethren,  and  thus  to  restore  them  to  their  native  sky,  I 
comprehended  the  policy  which  had  suggested  this 
measure,  and  at  the  same  time  conceived  a high 
opinion  of  those  generous  men,  who  were  disposed 
to  make  sacrifices,  in  the  hope  of  preparing  for  the 
unfortunate  persons  who  were  its  objects,  an  asylum 
where  their  existence  would  be  supportable.  Thence- 
forward, by  a sympathy  very  natural,  my  heart  and  my 
arms  have  been  open  to  greet,  in  this  land  of  true 
liberty,  those  men  upon  whom  a fatal  destiny  rests  in 
a manner  so  cruel.  I considered  the  colonization 
of  barbarous  regions  with  men  accustomed  to  live 
in  the  midst  of  civilized  people,  as  a thing  impractica- 
ble, to  say  nothing  more.  The  experiment  made  at 
Sherbro’  and  at  Messurado,  prove  that  I was  not  far 
from  the  truth.  In  fine,  sir,  although  Africa  be  the 
cradle  of  their  fathers,  what  a frightful  prospect  is  it 
to  see  themselves  exiled  to  insalubrious  climes,  after 
having  inhaled  the  healthful  breezes  of  the  land  of 
their  birth ! 

I have  often  asked  myself,  why  Hayti,  whose  climate 
is  so  mild,  and  whose  government  is  analogous  to  that 
of  the  U nited  States,  was  not  preferred  as  their  place  of 
refuge.  Fearing  that  my  sentiments  would  be  misin- 


3 


terpreted,  if  I made  the  first  overture,  I contented  my- 
self with  having  explained  to  those  of  them  who  came 
to  Hayti,  all  the  guarantees  and  rights  that  the  consti- 
tution of  the  Republic  has  established  in  their  favour. 
I have  aided  in  freeing  those  from  debt  who  could  not 
quite  pay  for  their  passage  ; I have  given  land  to  those 
who  wished  to  cultivate  it ; and  by  my  circular,  of  the 
date  of  the  24th  December,  1823,  to  the  officers  of 
districts,  (of  which  I send  you  a copy,)  you  will  con- 
vince yourself  that  I have  prepared  for  the  children  of 
Africa,  coming  out  of  the  United  States,  all  that  can 
assure  them  of  an  honourable  existence  in  becoming 
citizens  of  the  Haytien  Republic.  But  now  that  you 
make  overtures,  which  seem  to  be  authorised  by  the 
respectable  Society  of  which  you  are  the  general  agent,* 
I am  about  to  answer  frankly  to  the  eight  questions 
which  you  have  addressed  to  me. 

1.  “ If  a numberof  families,”  &c.  The  Government 
of  the  Republic  will  aid  in  defraying  part  of  the  expen- 
ses of  the  voyage  of  those  who  cannot  bear  them, 
provided  the  Colonization  Society  will  do  the  rest. 
The  government  will  give  fertile  lands  to  those  who 
wish  to  cultivate  them,  will  advance  to  them  nourish- 


* It  is  proper  here  to  state,  that  in  addressing  the  letter  of  inquiry 
to  President  Boyer,  I did  not  sign  nay  letter  as  Agent  of  the  American 
Colonization  Society,  nor  write  under  the  direction  of  the  Society, 
but  at  my  own  suggestion,  to  gain  information,  supposing  that  it  would 
be  for  the  benefit  of  the  Society  ; knowing  also  that  the  Society,  would 
act  as  it  should  see  best.  It  was  the  prosperity  of  the  Society  at  which 
I aimed,  and  it  is  with  deep  regret  that  I find  they  will  not  strengthen 
their  hands  for  Africa  by  this  measure,  as  I have  never  doubted  the 
feasibility  of  effecting  the  settlement  of  our  Coloured  People  on  that 
Continent. — L.D. Dewey. 


9 


ment,  tools,  and  other  things  of  indispensable  necessity 
until  they  shall  be  sufficiently  established  to  do  without 
this  assistance. 

2.  “ To  what  extent  in  number,  ” &c.  No  matter 
what  number  of  emigrants;  all  those  who  will  come 
with  the  intention  to  submit  themselves  to  the  laws  of 
the  country,  shall  be  well  received.  The  price  of  pas- 
sage and  other  expenses  shall  be  discussed  by  agents 
to  obtain  the  most  advantageous  conditions.  The 
quantity  of  ground  shall  be  as  much  as  each  family  can 
cultivate.  For  the  rest,  the  utmost  good-will  to  the 
new-comers  shall  be  the  basis  of  the  arrangements. 

3.  “What  encouragement  will  be  given  to  Mecha- 
nics and  Merchants,  ” &x.  They  shall  have  perfect 
liberty  to  labour  in  their  respective  professions.  The 
only  privilege  will  be  an  exemption  from  the  law  of 
patent  for  the  first  year.* 

4.  “ Will  opportunity  be  given,  ” &c.  All  those,  I 
repeat  it,  who  will  come  shall  be  received,  no  matter 
what  may  be  their  number,  provided  they  submit 
themselves  to  the  lawTs  of  the  state,  which  are  essen- 
tially liberal  and  protecting,  and  to  the  rules  of  the 
Police  which  tend  to  repress  vagrancy,  to  maintain 
good  order,  and  to  confirm  the  tranquillity  of  all. 
There  is  no  price  to  stipulate  for,  as  respects  the  land ; 
since  the  government  will  give  it  gratis,  in  fee  simple, 
to  those  who  will  cultivate  it.  The  emigrants  will  be 
distributed  in  the  most  advantageous  manner  possible, 
and  those  who  may  desire  it,  shall  be  placed  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  each  other. 


* To  practise  any  profession  or  pursue  any  trade,  it  is  necessary  in 
Hayti  to  obtain  a licence,  as  Grocers,  &c.  do  in  New-York, 

2 


10 


They  shall  not  be  meddled  with  in  their  domestic 
habits,  nor  in  their  religious  belief,  provided  they  do 
not  seek  to  make  proselytes,  or  trouble  those  who  pro- 
fess  another  faith  than  their  own. 

What  precedes,  is  an  answer  to  your  fifth  question 
upon  the  toleration  of  different  religions. 

6.  “ What  are  your  laws  relative  to  marriage,  ” &c. 

Marriage  is  encouraged,  and  good  husbands  and 

wives  enjoy  the  same  consideration  as  in  other  civiliz- 
ed countries. 

7.  “ How  far  are  schools,”  &c.  ? 

Every  where,  where  there  is  a sufficiently  numerous 
population,  the  government  supports  schools  to  instruct 
youth  in  literature,  and  in  the  principles  of  morality  and 
virtue. 

8.  “Will  your  government  permit,”  &c.  ? 

That  cannot  be.  The  laws  of  the  Republic  are 
general — and  no  particular  laws  can  exist.  Those  who 
come,  being  children  of  Africa,  shall  be  Haytiens  as 
soon  as  they  put  their  feet  upon  the  soil  of  Hayti : they 
will  enjoy  happiness,  security,  tranquillity,  such  as  we 
ourselves  possess,  how’ever  our  defamers  declare  the 
contrary. 

In  fine,  Sir,  to  prove  to  you  what  I am  disposed  to 
do  in  favor  of  our  brethren  who  groan  in  the  United 
States  of  America  under  the  yoke  of  prejudice,  1 am 
about  to  send  to  New-York  funds  and  a confidential 
agent,  to  enter  into  an  understanding  with  you  and  the 
Colonization  Society,  with  a view  to  facilitate  the  emi- 
gration to  Hayti  of  the  descendants  of  Africans,  who 
are  disposed  to  come  and  partake  with  us  the  most 
precious  blessings  which  we  enjoy  under  Divine  Pro- 
vidence. 


11 


It  must  not  be  imagined  that  the  want  of  an  increased 
population  in  Hayti,  is  the  motive  which  determines  me 
to  make  this  answer  with  the  details  into  which  1 have 
entered.  Views  of  a higher  order  direct  me.  Animated 
with  the  desire  to  serve  the  cause  of  humanity,  I have 
thought  that  a finer  occasion  could  not  have  presented 
itself  to  offer  an  agreeable  hospitality,  a sure  asylum,  to 
the  unfortunate  men,  who  have  the  alternative  of  going 
to  the  barbarous  shores  of  A frica,  where  misery  or  certain 
death  may  await  them.  I shall  not  developethe  advan- 
tages which  will  result  to  the  people  of  your  country,  from 
transporting  to  Hayti,  the  African  population  of  which 
they  wish  to  be  delivered.  Every  one  can  perceive 
perfectly  that  it  will  be  an  infallible  means  of  augment- 
ing the  commerce  of  the  United  States,  by  multiplying 
relations  between  two  people,  the  similarity  of  whose 
principles  of  legislation  and  government  ought  neces- 
sarily to  render  them  friends,  although  a blind  prejudice 
seems  until  now  to  have  put  obstacles  in  the  way  of 
more  direct  relations  between  the  one  and  the  other. 
Light  and  philanthropy  will  doubtless  cause  justice 
and  reason  to  triumph. 

You  will  speedily.  Sir,  see  the  arrival  in  New-York  of 
the  agent  I am  to  send. 

I have  the  honour  to  salute  you  with  my  most  dis- 
tinguished consideration. 


BOYER 


12 


[translation.] 

CIRCULAR. 

Port-au-Prince , 24 th  December , 1828. 
Jean  Pierre  Boyer,  President  of  Hayti,  to  the  Com- 
mandants of  the  Districts. 

Desirous  to  increase  in  the  country  the  number  of 
agriculturalists,  and  thus  augment  its  population,  I 
have  decided,  my  dear  General,  that  emigrants  of 
colour  to  Hayti,  who  may  wish  to  establish  themselves 
in  the  mountains  or  vallies  to  cultivate  with  their  own 
hands  the  public  lands,  shall  be  authorized  to  cultivate 
the  same  for  their  own  profit.  These  lands,  after  pay- 
ment of  the  taxes  established  by  the  authority  of  the 
place,  shall  be  ceded  in  fee  simple,  to  those  who  Open 
them  and  enhance  their  value,  dividing  them  into  sui- 
table plantations  for  the  produce  of  coffee  and  other 
productions  v\hich  may  yield  a revenue  to  the  state. 
You  are  therefore  charged  so  far  as  your  authority  ex- 
tends, to  settle  the  people  of  colour  who  may  arrive,  or 
who  may  wish  to  disembark  and  establish  themselves 
in  the  district  W'hich  you  command,  and  to  send  me  a 
list  of  the  names  of  all  such  persons,  and  a description 
of  the  land  given  them. 

It  is  understood,  that  this  measure  is  not  to  change 
that  prescribed  by  my  circular  of  2d  December,  1822, 
in  favour  of  the  persons,  who,  anterior  to  the  first  of  last 
January,  should  be  established  without  title  upon  the 
state  lands.  Signed, 


BOYER. 


13 


[translation.] 

Liberty.  Equality. 

REPUBLIC  OF  HAYTI. 

Port-au-Prince , 1th  May , 1824. 

21st  YEAR  OF  THE  INDEPENDENCE. 

B.  Inginac,  Brigade  General  and  Secretary  General 
of  His  Excellency  the  President  of  Hayti,  to  Mr. 
Loring  D.  Dewy,  General  Agent  of  the  American 
Society  of  Colonization,  &c.  &c. 

Sir, 

I have  had  the  pleasure  to  receive  the  letter 
w hich  you  wrote  me  of  the  4th  March  last.  The  papers 
enclosed  and  the  letter  have  been  handed  to  his  Ex- 
cellency the  President  of  Hayti ; and  by  this  favoura- 
ble opportunity,  you  will  receive  the  answer  of  the 
President. 

I have,  with  the  highest  consideration,  the  honour  to 
salute  you. 

B.  INGINAC. 

[translation.] 

Liberty.  Equality. 

REPUBLIC  OF  HAYTI. 

Port-au-Prince , 25th  of  May,  1824. 

21st  YEAR  OF  OUR  INDEPENDENCE. 

John  Pierre  Boyer,  President  of  Hayti,  to  Mr.  Loring 
D.  Dewy,  General  Agent  of  the  Society  for  African 
Colonization,  at  New-York. 

Sir, — 

Agreeably  to  a letter  which  I wrote  to  you 
on  the  30th  of  April  last,  in  reply  to  that  you  addressed 


14 


to  me  of  the  4th  of  March  preceding,  on  the  subject  of 
the  emigration  to  Hayti  of  a portion  of  the  children  of 
Africa  who  are  in  the  United  States,  I now  announce 
to  you  that  I send  to  you  and  the  Philanthropic  Society 
of  which  you  are  the  agent, the  citizen  Granville, Substi- 
tute of  the  commissary  of  Government  at  the  tribunal 
of  Cassation,*  who  will  deliver  you  this  despatch.  He 
is  the  bearer  of  my  particular  instructions,  and  will 
communicate  them  to  you,  which  renders  it  unneces- 
sary to  enter  at  present  into  the  details  of  his  mission. 
I shall  then,  Sir,  only  entreat  you  to  make  every  effort 
to  forward  the  success  of  the  great  object,  we  both 
have  in  view.  You  cannot  better  serve  the  cause  of 
humanity,  since  those  of  our  brethren,  who  drag  out 
in  the  United  States  a painful  and  degrading  existence, 
will  become,  on  arriving  at  Hayti,  citizens  of  the 
Republic,  and  can  there  labour  with  security  and  ad- 
vantage to  themselves  and  children.  During  the 
happy  days  which  await  them  here,  they  will  preserve 
the  memory  of  your  devotion  to  their  cause  ; they  will 
bless  your  name,  and  the  happiness  they  will  enjoy  will 
be  your  sweetest  reward. 

I recommend  to  your  care,  the  citizen  Granville, 
during  his  stay  in  the  United  States,  begging  you  to 
give  him  all  necessary  advice,  and  make  known  to  him 
all  persons,  who  can  aid  him  in  the  success  of  the  mis- 
sion with  which  he  is  charged. 

I saluteyou  with  the  most  distinguished  consideration. 

BOYER. 


# The  Tribunal  of  Cassation  is  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  Island, 
of  which  citizen  Granville,  is  one  of  the  highest  judicial  and  executive 
officers-. 


[translation.] 

Liberty.  Equality. 

REPUBLIC  OF  HAYTI. 

Port-au-Prince , May 25th , 1824, 

IN  THE  21st  YEAR  OF  OUR  INDEPENDENCE. 

Jean  Pierre  Boyer,  President  of  Hayti,  to  Mr.  Charles 
Collins,  New-York. 

Sir, —The  knowledge  that  I have  obtained  of-your 
philanthropic  sentiments,  has  induced  me  to  direct 
the  citizen  Imbert,  Secretary  of  State  to  this  Republic, 
to  send  you  fifty  thousand  weight  of  coffee,  begging 
you  to  sell  this  commodity,  and,  after  having  reali- 
zed the  proceeds,  to  keep  them  on  account  of  the  Hay- 
tien  government.  This  fund  and  others  which  shall 
be  added  to  it,  are  destined  to  facilitate  the  emigration 
of  such  individuals  of  the  African  race,  who,  groaning 
in  the  United  States,  under  the  weight  of  prejudice  and 
misery,  should  be  disposed  to  come  to  Hayti  and  par- 
take with  our  citizens  the  benefits  of  a liberal  constitu- 
tion, and  a paternal  government. 

After  the  numerous  communications  which  have  been 
addressed  to  me,  by  several  of  your  most  distinguished 
compatriots,  relative  to  the  emigration  to  Hayti  of  these 
children  of  Africa, I have  determined  to  send  to  the  United 
States, the  citizen  Granville, Substitute  of  the  Commissa- 
ry of  the  Government  at  the  tribunal  of  Cassation,  who 
will  deliver  you  this.  He  is  bearer  of  a letter  of  introduc- 
tion to  Mr.  Loring  D.  Dewey, General  Agent  of  the  Socie- 
ty for  African  Colonization,  who  has  written  to  me  him- 
self on  this  subject,  also  of  my  full  instructions  which 
he  will  communicate  to  you.  I beg  that  you  will  as- 
sist him  with  your  good  advice,  and  recommend  him 
to  your  numerous  friends,  so  that  he  may  attain  with 


16 


more  ease  the  end  that  I propose,  in  taking  a step 
which  will  turn  so  entirely  to  the  promotion  of  humani- 
ty, the  cause  of  which  you  espouse  in  so  disinterested 
a manner.  I also  beg  that  you  will  put  at  his  disposal, 
or  his  order,  such  part  of  the  funds  which  you  will 
receive,  on  account  of  the  Republic,  as  shall  be  judg- 
ed necessary  to  defray  the  expense  of  removing 
those  individuals,  who  reside  in  the  interior,  and 
are  not  possessed  of  means  to  convey  them  to 
a place  of  embarkation,  where  they  may  take 
advantage  of  the  opportunity  that  is  offered  them 
to  come  and  gain  amongst  us  an  honest  liveli- 
hood, and  leave  to  their  children,  a sure  inheritance 
and  the  enjoyment  of  all  the  political  rights  that  men 
in  society  can  reasonably  desire. 

You  have,  Sir,  for  a long  time  consecrated  your  wake- 
ful hours  to  the  means  of  alleviating  the  sufferings 
of  a portion  of  the  human  species,  against  whom  pre- 
possession and  prejudice  act  with  pitiless  rigour,  so  that 
1 do  not  doubt  you  will  seize  the  present  occasion  to 
render  your  past  efforts,  and  those  of  your  friends,  suc- 
cessful. What  joy  will  it  give  hearts  like  yours,  to  see 
these  scions  of  Africa,  so  abased  in  the  United  States, 
where  they  vegetate  with  no  more  utility  to  themselves 
than  to  the  soil  which  nourishes  them,  transplanted  to 
Hayti,  where  they  will  become  no  less  useful  than  es- 
timable, because  the  enjoyment  of  civil  and  political 
rights,  ennobling  them  in  their  own  eyes,  cannot  fail  to 
attach  them  to  regular  habits,  and  the  acquisition  of  so- 
cial virtues,  and  to  render  them  worthy  by  their  good 
conduct,  to  enjoy  the  benefits  which  their  new  country 
wall  bestow  upon  them  ! But  the  emigrants  alone  will 
not  reap  the  fruit  of  your  exertions.  The  U nited  States 


1? 


will  find  their  commerce  with  Hayti  enlarged  by  the 
frequent  intercourse  which  these  new  Haytiens  will  nar 
turally  hold  with  the  country  they  have  left. 

If  you  think  it  proper  to  give  publicity  to  this  proce- 
dure, you  are  at  liberty  to  do  so.  I leave  it  entirely  to 
your  prudence,  well  convinced,  that  you  will  pursue 
the  best  means  to  interest  your  friends  in  the  success  of 
the  present  enterprize,  not  only  in  the  State  of  New- 
York,  but  in  the  northern  States,  and  in  Pennsylvania. 

What  a claim,  Sir,  will  you  and  your  honourable 
friends  have  to  the  gratitude  of  those  whose  tears  you 
will  wipe  away  by  procuring  them  a kind  reception 
among  their  countrymen,  their  brothers,  their  natural 
friends.  I conjure  you  then  to  neglect  nothing,  in  con- 
curring with  me  to  retrieve  these  unfortunates  from  the 
humiliation  and  vexation  with  which  they  are  over- 
whelmed. In  so  laudable  an  enterprise,  God,  who  is 
the  father  of  all  men,  will  assist  our  efforts. 

I salute  you  with  the  most  distinguished  consideration. 

BOYER. 

0 

New- York,  6th  Mo.  (June)  17/ h,  1824. 

The  reply  of  President  Boyer  was  received  on  the 
31st  of  5th  Mo.  (May,)  and  the  9th  of  6th  Mo.  (June,) 
his  Official  Agent,  Citizen  J.  Granville  arrived  at  Phi- 
ladelphia, and  in  this  city  the  13th.  The  following  are 
his  instructions  from  his  government : — 

[translation.] 

Instructions  to  the  Citizen  J.  Granville,  Substitute  of 
the  Commissary  of  Government,  at  the  tribunal  of 
Cassation  dispatched  to  the  United  States  of  Ameri- 
ca, to  confer  and  act  in  concert  with  the  Pbilanthr#- 

3 


pic  and  Benevolent  Societies  of  said  States,  and  all 
others  whom  it  shall  concern,  in  order  to  facilitate 
the  emigration  to  Hayti,  of  all  persons  of  African 
blood,  who,  enjoying  their  freedom,  will  come  volun- 
tarily to  the  Republic,  where  they  may  exercise  their 
civil  and  political  rights,  and  participate  in  the  bene- 
fits of  our  institutions. 

Citizen, — 

You  are  not  ignorant  that  there  exist  in 
the  United  States  of  America,  several  hundred  thou- 
sand individuals  of  African  blood,  who,  on  account  of 
the  dark  hue  of  their  complexions,  are  objects  of  all 
the  prejudice  and  prepossession  that  can  arise  from 
difference  of  colour;  that  under  a system  so  outrageous 
to  humanity,  some  of  them  in  their  despair  have  de- 
prived themselves  of  a wretched  existence  : others  de- 
based by  ignorance,  and  exasperated  by  misfortune, 
have  become  turbulent  and  dangerous,  and  that  a great 
number  deprived  of  the  means  of  exercising  an  ho- 
nest industry,  either  rural  or  mechanical,  are  forced  to 
live  in  idleness  and  vagrancy.  The  lot  of  these  un- 
happy victims  of  prejudice,  has  moved  the  compas- 
sion of  certain  philanthropists,  who  have  conceived 
the  idea  of  founding  societies  for  the  purpose  of  pro- 
curing these  children  of  Africa,  an  asylum  on  their 
native  soil,  where,  established  in  colonies,  and  govern- 
ing themselves,  they  may  live  free  from  all  vexation. 
But  experience  has  proved,  that  the  project  of  forming 
such  settlements  on  the  Coast  of  Africa  was  impracti- 
cable, because  the  climate  being  unhealthy,  and  the 
country  peopled  by  nations,  yet  barbarous,  the  emi- 
grants were  exposed  to  great  danger,  if  not  death  ; and 
perished,  many  of  them  in  spite  of  the  generous  sacri- 


19 


fices  of  the  honourable  society  formed  in  the  United 
States  to  carry  their  colonization  into  effect 

In  this  deplorable  state  of  things,  men  of  philanthro- 
pic sentiments,  and  souls  truly  charitable  and  benevo- 
lent, have  turned  their  thoughts  towards  Hayti,  which 
they  have  rightly  considered  as  a more  proper  place 
of  refuge  for  these  unfortunates  than  the  inhospitable 
sands  of  Africa.  Accordingly,  numerous  communica- 
tions were  addressed  to  me,  inquiring,  if  those,  so 
nearly  related  to  us  in  blood,  could  find  in  our  Repub- 
lic, that  hospitality  which  their  paternal  land  denied 
them.  To  these  inquiries  from  private  individuals,  I 
have  replied  in  a favourable  manner,  explaining  all  the 
advantages  that  our  constitution  has  taken  care  to  as- 
sure to  those  of  our  brothers  who  come  from  other 
parts  of  the  globe  and  establish  themselves  among  us. 
My  replies  did  not  fail  to  produce  a favourable  result. 
Already  have  we  seen  arrive  in  our  ports,  several  of 
these  children  of  Africa,  who  have  come  from  the  Uni- 
ted States,  and  have  fixedthemselveshere,someofthem 
in  the  country,  where  cultivation  repays  their  toil  with 
interest,  others  in  our  cities,  where  they  are  engaged  in 
a lucrative  trade,  or  pursue  with  advantage  some  me- 
chanical profession,  happy  at  being  delivered  from  the 
degrading  yoke  of  prejudice. 

Their  great  numbers  had  caused  me  to  conceive,  from 
the  first,  a project  which  by  increasing  emigration, 
would  have  fulfilled  the  views  of  the  philanthropists  of 
the  United  States,  and  have  meliorated  the  condition 
of  these  unfortunates.  But  the  fear  that  the  unjust  pre- 
judices entertained  abroad,  against  the  Republic  of 
Hayti,  would  misinterpret  my  intentions,  then  preven- 
ted me  from  taking  any  public  steps,  which  I do  not 


20 


at  present  hesitate  to  do,  because,  I received  in  the 
course  of  last  April,  an  official  communication  from 
Mr.  Loring  D.  Dewey,  General  Agent  of'  the  Society 
for  African  Colonization,  at  New-York,  to  ascertain 
the  terms  on  which  the  Havtien  Government  wTould 
consent  to  the  emigration  of  these  sons  of  Africa. 

In  consequence  of  this,  and  of  the  knowledge  that  I 
have  of  your  patriotism,  the  liberality  of  your  princi- 
ples, and  your  devotion  to  the  great  cause  that  we 
have  constantly  defended,  and  will  always  maintain 
w ith  the  same  energy,  I have  chosen  and  appointed 
you,  agent  of  the  Government  of  the  Republic,  so  that 
you  must  repair  to  New-York,  or  to  other  places  in 
the  United  States,  where  you  will  be  permitted  to 
travel,  and  there  you  will  confer  with  Mr.  Loring  D. 
Dewey  in  his  office  of  General  Agent  to  the  Society 
for  African  Colonization,  with  the  Society  itself,  and 
all  other  persons,  qualified  to  take  part  in  this  affair, 
as  well  as  with  those  who  being  disposed  to  emigrate, 
are  at  liberty  to  contract  for  themselves. 

To  this  effect,  I give  you  the  following  instructions, 
and  deliver  you  a certified  translation  of  the  letter  of 
Mr.  Loring  D.  Dewey  on  the  side  A.  with  a copy  of 
my  answer  side  B,  then  a copy  C.  of  the  constitution, 
finally  a copy  D of  my  circular  to  the  governors  of  the 
provinces,  dated  24th  of  Dec.  1823. 

ARTICLE  I. 

On  arriving  at  New-York,  you  will  confer  with 
Messrs.  Loring  D.  Dewey  and  Charles  Collins,  to 
whom  you  will  communicate  yoor  present  instructions ; 
you  will  ask  their  counsel  and  advice,  w'hich  you  will 
follow  as  far  as  they  may  comport  with  the  end  of  your 
mission.  You  will  also  deliver  all  the  letters  of  in- 
troduction of  which  you  are  the  bearer. 


21 


ARTICLE  II. 

You  will  inform  yourself  of  the  laws,  regulations, 
and  usages  of  the  places  through  which  you  pass,  so 
that  you  can  conform  to  them  and  act  accordingly. 
ARTICLE  III. 

After  the  preliminary  visit,  according  to  the  first 
article,  you  will  seek  the  members  of  the  different 
religious  and  philanthropic  societies,  to  inform  them 
of  the  object  of  jour  visit ; and  as  you  must  always 
act  with  loyalty  and  good  faith,  you  will  not  fail  to 
communicate  to  those  interested  in  the  success  of 
your  mission,  the  tenor  of  the  instructions  and  do- 
cuments which  I have  delivered  to  you. 

ARTICLE  IV. 

The  constitution  having  established  by  the  44th 
article,  that  all  individuals  of  African  blood,  who  will 
appear  in  the  Republic,  shall,  after  a years  residence, 
enjoy  the  civil  and  political  rights  and  quality  of  a 
citizen,  you  must  invite  yourself,  and  by  the  interven- 
tion of  Mr.  Loring  D.  Dewey,  and  Mr.  Charles 
Collins,  and  all  other  persons  with  whom  you  may 
confer,  such  among  them  as  shall  be  disposed  to  quit 
the  United  States,  to  come  and  establish  themselves 
in  the  Republic,  and  induce  them,  as  soon  as  possible, 
to  undertake  the  voyage,  acquainting  them  with  all 
the  advantages  which  are  insured  to  them  by  the 
constitution  ; and  more  especially  those  the  govern- 
ment is  ready  to  grant  to  them,  to  relieve  them 
from  the  state  of  humiliation  and  misery  in  which 
they  are  plunged. 

ARTICLE  Y. 

The  advantages  which  attend  emigration  are,  1st, 
that  they  shall  enjoy  in  Hayti,  all  civil  and  political 


22 


rights,  (Article  44th  of  the  Constitution  ;)  2dlv,  they 
shall  have  entire  liberty  of  conscience,  in  their  religious 
practices  ; 3rdlv,  they  shall  obtain  concession  of  land  in 
fee  simple,  when  they  shall  have  made  settleroe  nts  on  t he 
said  lands,  (copy  of  my  circular  to  the  governors  of  the 
provinces  ;)  the  whole,  provided,  they  engage  to  be 
faithful  to  the  laws  of  the  Republic,  whose  children 
and  citizens  they  will  become,  and  provided  they  un- 
dertake nothing  contrary  to  its  tranquillity  and  pros- 
perity. 

ARTICLE  VI. 

To  regulate  better  the  interests  of  the  emigrants,  it 
will  be  proper  to  let  them  know  in  detail,  what  the 
government  of  the  Republic  is  disposed  to  do,  to  as- 
sure their  future  well  being,  and  that  of  their  children, 
on  the  sole  condition  of  their  being  good  and  indus- 
trious citizens ; you  are  authorized  in  concert  with 
the  agents  of  the  different  societies,  and  before  civil 
authority,  to  make  arrangements  with  heads  of  fami- 
lies, or  other  emigrants  who  can  unite  twelve  people 
able  to  work,  and  also  to  stipulate  that  the  govern- 
ment will  give  them  a portion  of  land  sufficient  to 
employ  twelve  persons,  and  on  which  may  be  raised  * 
coffee,  cotton,  maize,  peas,  and  other  vegetables  and 
provisions,  and  after  they  have  well  improved  the 
said  quantity  of  land,  which  will  not  be  less  than  36 
acres  in  extent,  or  12  carreaux  (the  carreau  being  100 
paces,  square  and  the  pace  three  feet  and  a half, 
French,)  government  will  give  a perpetual  title  to  the 
said  land  to  these  twelve  people,  their  heirs  and  as- 
signs.”* 


# As,  according  to  a law  of  Hayti,  a person  cannot  hold  less  than  five 


23 


ARTICLE  VII. 

Those  of  the  emigrants  who  prefer  applying  them- 
selves individually  to  the  culture  of  the  earth,  either  by 
renting  lands  already  improved,  which  they  will  till, 
or  by  working  in  the  field,  to  share  the  produce  with 
the  proprietor,  must  also  engage  themselves,  by  a 
legal  act.  that  on  arriving  at  Hayti,  they  will  make 
the  above  mentioned  arrangements,  and  this,  they 
must  do  before  the  judges  of  the  peace,  so  that  on 
their  arrival  here,  they  will  be  obliged  to  apply  them- 
selves to  agriculture,  and  not  be  liable  to  become 
vagrants. 

ARTICLE  VIII. 

To  all  those,  and  those  only,  who  will  engage  them- 
selves, as  it  is  prescribed  according  to  the  6th  Article, 
you  are  authorized,  always  acting  in  concert  with  the 
different  societies,  to  contract,  that  the  expense  of 
their  passage  and  maintenance  during  the  voyage, 
shall  be  paid  on  their  arrival  at  Hayti,  by  the  govern- 
ment, which  will  give  them  also  the  means  of  subsis- 
tence during  four  months,  after  their  landing  and 
settlement  on  the  ground  they  are  to  cultivate,  which 
will  be  long  enough  for  them  to  procure  by  their 
labour  and  settlement,  the  means  of  supporting  them- 
selves. 

Nothing  will  be  required  of  them  for  what  may  have 
been  paid  for  their  passage  and  subsistence,  which 
a donation  made  to  them  by  the  Republic. 

ARTICLE  IX. 

As  for  those  who  wish  to  come  to  Hayti,  to  engage 


carreaux  of  land,  the  quantity  of  land  given  to  the  twelve  persons  will, 
as  circumstances  shall  determine,  exceed  12  carreaux. — Citizen  Gran ~ 
villc , 


in  commercial  or  mechanical  pursuits,  you  are  author- 
ized to  assure  them,  that  the  expense  of  their  passage, 
and  maintenance  during  the  voyage,  shall  be  paid  in 
Hayti,  provided  they  bind  themselves  before  civil  au- 
thority in  the  United  States,  to  return  to  the  govern- 
ment of  the  Republic,  six  months  after  their  arrival 
here,  the  advance  which  shall  be  made  to  them  The 
same  privilege  of  advance,  on  condition  of  reimburse- 
ment, shall  be  granted  to  those  who  come  to  buy, 
rent,  or  till  in  shares,  lands  cultivated,  or  to  be  cul- 
tivated, or  wrho  come  to  engage  themselves  as  ser- 
vants, workmen,  or  labourers,  the  law  granting  a 
right  to  every  Haytien,  to  exercise  his  industry  as  he 
pleases,  provided  he  does  nothing  contrary  to  the 
good  order  of  society. 

ARTICLE  X. 

If  there  are  any  families  of  African  blood,  disposed 
to  emigrate  to  Hayti,  whose  unfortunate  situation 
prevents  them  from  defraying  the  expense  of  removal 
to  a place  of  embarkation,  you  are  authorized,  act- 
ting  with  much  prudence  and  discernment,  and  al- 
ways consulting  the  agency  of  the  different  societies,  to 
make  advances  to  them,  provided  they  do  not  exceed 
six  dollars  a head  for  young  people  and  adults ; the 
advance  will  be  repayable  six  months  after  their 
arrival  in  Hayti,  which  must  be  stipulated  in  the  obli- 
gatory contracts  by  those  who  receive  it. 

ARTICLE  XI. 

The  end  which  I propose,  being  to  favour  the  emi- 
gration to  Hayti,  of  those  who  are  able  to  become,  by 
our  laws,  citizens  of  the  country,  you  ought  not  to  fail 
to  consult  all  persons  devoted  to  the  cause  of  humanity, 
who  are  capable  of  giving  you  good  advice,  and  after 


25 


obtaining  their  written  and  well  digested  opinion, 
you  are  authorized  to  consent  to  little  expenses  I may 
not  havef  reseen,  and  of  which  there  is  urgent  neces- 
sity, and  such  as  shall  facilitate  the  execution  of  the 
enterprise. 

ARTICLE  XII. 

You  will  declare  to  those  whom  it  may  concern, 
that  no  other  privileges  will  be  granted  in  Hayti  to  the 
emigrants  than  those  enjoyed  by  the  citizens  of  the 
state  ; that  therefore,  they  must  come  among  us  with 
the  resolution  of  conforming  to,  and  obeying  our  laws, 
which  are  all  liberal,  and  beneficent,  and  which 
guarantee  to  all  liberty  of  conscience,  provided  they 
do  not  disturb  the  public  tranquillity. 

ARTICLE  XIII. 

You  will  take  the  most  efficacious  measures  to  con- 
vey to  the  peninsula  of  Samana,  forty  artizans  of 
African  blood,  such  as  carpenters,  wood-sawyers, 
blacksmiths,  caulkers,  rope-makers,  sail-makers,  &c., 
who  would  be  capable  of  working  in  a timber-yard, 
at  small  vessels  for  cruising  on  the  coasts  of  the  country, 
which  vessels  will  be  boiightfrom  them  by  Government. 
If  these  workmen  have  wives  and  children,  Government 
will  give  them  land,  suited  to  the  cultivation  of  coffee> 
cane,  and  every  other  species  of  food,  grain,  and  vege- 
tables which  will  be  to  them  a very  great  advantage. 
ARTICLE  XIV. 

To  prevent  paying  exorbitant  prices  for  their  pas- 
sage and  subsistence  during  the  voyage,  it  will  perhaps 
be  better  not  only  to  provide  provisions  for  them,  but 
to  freight  ships,  capable  of  conveying  a certain  num- 
ber of  passengers,  in  case  you  cannot  find  opportuni- 
ties to  transport  the  emigrants  in  the  ordinary  trading- 


26 


vessels.  (I  am  of  opinion  that  fourteen  dollars  a head, 
comprising  subsistence  during  the  voyage  would  be  a 
reasonable  price  for  young  persons  and  men,  and  half 
that  sura  will  suffice  for  children  under  twelve  years 
of  age.)  It  must  be  well  understood  that  the  co«t  of 
provisions,  the  price  of  the  passage,  and  the  ship’s 
freight  will  be  paid  only  in  Hayti,  on  the  arrival  of 
said  passengers. 

ARTICLE  XV. 

It  will  be  necessary  that  the  cultivators  should 
possess  farming  implements,  as  far  as  possible  for  them- 
selves. If  the  societies  for  colonization  are  disposed 
to  make  donations  to  the  emigrants,  the  amount  of 
them  can  be  employed  by  their  agents,  in  the  pur- 
chase of  provisions  or  farming  utensils,  such  as  hoes, 
axes,  scythes,  ploughs,  harrows,  &c. 

ARTICLE  XVI. 

Government  having  caused  to  be  sent  toMr.  Charles 
Collins,  merchandize  as  afund  for  this  purpose,  you  will 
receive  from  him,  on  your  order,  such  monies  as  are  ne- 
cessary to  defray  the  expense  of  removals  mentioned  in 
Article  10th,  the  sum  not  to  exceed  6000  dollars,  which 
you  will  account  for,  in  due  form,  and  with  proper 
vouchers  at  the  end  of  your  mission. 

ARTICLE  XVII. 

The  places,  where  I desire  the  emigrants  to  locate 
themselves,  at  the  commencement  of  the  enterprize, 
and  until  the  end  of  the  present  year,  both  for  their 
own  advantage  and  the  agricultural  interests  of  the 
country  are  as  follows  : — 


27 


1.  Port-au-Prince  District,  at  Mirebalais, culture 

of  fine  cotton,  and  all  kinds  of  produce,  a 
fertile  quarter,  - persons,  500 

Idem,  for  the  quarter  of  Lescaobe,  Lamatte, 
and  Hinche,  the  cullure  of  Coffee  and  pro- 
visions, ------  300 

Idem,  for  the  quarter  of  Orangers,  Crochus, 
and  Arcahaie,  the  culture  of  Coffee,  - 200 

Total,  1000 

2.  Cape  Haytien,  for  Grand  Riviere,  Dondon, 

Marmelade,  Limbe,  Plaisance,  Borgne  and 
Port  Margot,— coffee,  - 1000 

S.  Porte  Plate,  for  Altamire,  St.  Yague,  Moca, 
Macoris,  and  Lavega, — coffee,  tobacco,  and 
cocoa,  ------  1000 

4.  Samana, — coffee  and  provisions  - - 200 

5.  St.  Domingo,  for  Seybo,  Higoey,  Monteplate, 

Boya,  Bayaguana,  Los  Llanos,  St.  Christo- 
phe,  Bany,  — coffee,  cocoa,  and  sugarcane,  1200 

6.  Jacquemel,  for  Marigot,  Neybe,  and  Baynet, — 

coffee  and  provisions,  - _ - 600 

7.  Les  Cayes  and  Jeremie,— coffee  - - 500 

8.  Gonaives, — cotton,  - - - - 500 

Total,  6000 


.ARTICLE  XVIII. 

You  will  not  fail  to  observe  that  this  population  of 
6000 souls,  emigrating  this  year  to  Hayti,  will  be  placed 
in  a situation  to  free  themselves  by  their  own  industry, 
from  misery  and  care  ; forthey  will  find  cleared  lands, 
civilized  and  habitable  regions,  the  resources  of  life, 


28 


and  assistance  in  case  of  sickness — precious  advanta- 
ges, of  which  they  would  be  entirely  deprived  in 
Africa,  and  could  not  hope  to  obtain  there  in  iO  years. 

All  the  places  designated  in  the  preceding  article, 
offer  the  greatest  advantages,  both  from  the  fertility 
of  the  soil  and  the  mildness  of  the  climate,  which  you 
must  not  fail  to  make  known  to  the  emigrants. 
ARTICLE  XIX. 

You  must  not  fail  to  correspond  with  me,  and  in- 
form me  of  all  your  proceedings  and  undertakings,  in 
the  execution  of  your  mission.  You  will  remain  in 
the  United  States  to  observe  the  operations  of 
emigration,  until  you  receive  new  orders  from  me,  and 
you  will  travel  into  the  interior  of  the  Northern  States 
wherever  you  are  permitted  to  go,  and  where  you 
think  your  presence  will  determine  those  to  emigrate 
who  are  disposed,  and  at  liberty  to  do  so. 

Pori -an- Pr  nee,  May  25,  1824. 

IN  THE  2.1st  YEAR  OF  OUR  INDEPENDENCE. 

The  President 

BOYER. 


Note  — Immediately  on  the  receipt  of  President  Boyer’s  letter,  I in- 
formed the  active  members  of  the  Board  of  the  American  Colonization 
Society  ol  its  contents,  and  transmitted  a translation  as  soon  as  possible, 
to  the  Secretary  at  Washington.  Before  the  letter  was  made  public 
in  this  city,  I received  an  answer  from  Robert  G.  Harper,  Esq.,  giving 
his  opinion,  that  it  was  not  expedient  to  blend  the  two  objects  of 
Africa  and  Hayti ; that  the  more  avenues  opened  for  this  population  into 
places  suited  to  them,  the  better  ; that  it  was  desirable  a Society  for 
Hayti  should  be  formed,  distinct  from  the  American  Colonization 
Society,  and  that  these  Societies  might  be  of  mutual  aid  to  each  other. 
Before  a public  meeting  was  called,  an  official  letter  was  received  from 
the  Secretary,  signifying  that  the  Society  would  have  nothing  to  do 
with  the  propositions  of  President  Boyer  Having  ascertained  this, 
and  Citizen  J.  Granville  having  arrived,  the  course  was  plain  to  present 
the  generous  offers  of  the  President  of  Hayti  to  the  citizens  of  New- 
York,  of  which  the  following  is  the  result. 

L.  D.  DEWEY. 

New-  York,  June  30,  1824. 


29 


At  a Meeting  of  Citizens,  held  at  the  room  of  the  Historical  Society, 
to  take  into  consideration,  certain  propositions  made  by  the  President 
of  the  Republic  of  Hayti,  relative  to  the  Emigration  of  Persons  of 
Colour  from  the  United  States  to  the  Island  of  Hayti  : 

The  Rev.  Dr.  SPRUNG  was  called  to  the  Chair,  and  H.  Ketchum 
chosen  Secretary. 

The  business  of  the  Meeting  was  opened  and  explained  by  Mr. 
Dewey,  and  the  communications  of  President  Boyer  read  by  the  Secretary. 

After  some  general  discussion  upon  the  business  of  the  Meeting,  a 
Resolution  was  proposed  by  Dr.  Wainwright,  which,  after  some  amend- 
ments, passed  as  follows  : — 

Resolved,  That  a Committee  of  Nine  be  appointed  to  take  into 
consideration  the  documents  submitted  to  this  Meeting  in  relation  to 
the  Emigration  of  Coloured  Persons  to  Hayti,  and  that  this  Committee 
be  directed  to  gain  information  in  relation  to  this  subject,  and  report 
to  an  adjourned  meeting,  to  be  held  on  Friday  the  25th  inst. — The 
following  are  the  names  of  the  Committee  : — 

THOMAS  EDDY,  JOSEPH  SMITH, 

J.  WAINWRIGHT,  ISAAC  COLLINS, 

H.  KETCHUM  SAMUEL  COWDREY, 

GEORGE  NEWBOLD,  JOHN  GRISCOM. 
PETER  A.  JAY, 

The  YIeeting  then  adjourned  to  Friday  the  25th  inst.  at  6 P.-M. 
June  18th,  1824.  H.  KETCHUM,  Secretary. 

At  an  adjourned  meeting  of  citizens  convened,  to  take  into  conside- 
ration the  propositions  of  President  Boyer,  relative  to  the  emigration 
of  free  persons  of  colour  to  Hayti,  held  in  the  New-  York  Institution  on 
Friday  the  25th  inst  PETER  A.  JAY,  Esquire,  was  called  to  the 
Chair,  and  H.  KETCHUM  chosen  Secretary.  The  Chair  was  sub- 
sequently resumed  by  Thos.  Eddy,  who  presided  at  the  former  meeting. 

The  Committee  previously  appointed,  of  which  Mr.  Eddy  was 
Chairman,  introduced  the  following  Report,  which,  after  being  read 
by  the  Secretary,  was  accepted  : — 

The  Committee  appointed  at  a meeting  of  citizens,  held  on  the  1 8tli 
instant,  to  take  into  consideration  the  documents  submitted  to  the 
meeting  relative  to  the  emigration  of  coloured  persons  to  Hayti,  to 
gain  information  relative  to  this  subject,  and  report  thereon,  on  the 
25th  instant,  respectfully  Report : — 

That  in  pursuing  the  object  of  their  appointment,  their  attention 
was  first  turned  to  the  number  and  condition  of  persons  in  our  own 
State,  proposed  to  be  benefitted  by  the  propositions  of  President  Boyer. 

According  to  the  Census  of  the  United  States,  made  in  1820,  there 
were  in  the  State  of  New- York,  29,279  free  persons  of  colour,  and 
10  088  slaves.  Since  that  time  it  is  known  that  the  number  of  slaves 
has  diminished,  and  the  number  of  free  persons  of  colour  increased. 
The  period  fixed  by  law  for  the  termination  of  Slavery  in  this  State, 
is  the  4th  of  July,  1827. 

It  is  well  known  that  the  condition  of  our  coloured  population  is  very 
unfortunate,  and  when  the  Committee  advert  to  the  means  of  their  in- 
troduction among  us,  and  the  cause  which  now  prevents  their  moral  and 
intellectual  advancement,  they  cannot  doubt  that  their  fellow-citizens, 
influenced  as  well  by  a sense  of  justice  as  the  impulses  of  philanthro- 


30 


phy,  will  cheerfully  embrace  any  opportunity  that  may  present  to  plact 
the  descendants  of  Africa  in  a situation  which  will  furnish  them  with 
more  powerful  motives,  than  are  offered  them  among  ourselves,  to 
respectability  of  character,  and  intellectual  improvement. 

The  Island  of  Hayti  is  supposed  to  offer  such  a situation.  The  pro- 
positions made  by  the  government  of  that  country,  have  been  consid- 
ered by  the  Committee  with  as  much  attention  as  the  short  time  allowed 
them  to  make  a report  would  permit.  These  propositions  appear  to 
the  Committee  to  be  liberal  and  in  their  opinion  are  honourable  to  the 
government  whence  they  emanated.  The  Committee  have  also  con- 
ferred with  Citizen  Granville,  the  authorized  agent  of  the  Republic  of 
Hayti  in  this  country,  and  from  information  derived  from  him,  as  well 
as  from  that  before  in  their  possession,  they  feel  assured  that  the  form 
of  government  there  insures  to  the  citizens  a good  degree  of  civil  and 
religious  liberty — and  that  the  means  of  improvement  at  present  in 
successful  operation  there,  will  at  no  distant  period  enable  Hayti  to 
hold  a respectable  rank  among  Christian  nations.  Those  of  our  col- 
oured population  who  may  think  proper  to  emigrate  to  that  country, 
will  immediately  become  citizens,  and  possessed  of  all  the  privileges 
and  immunities  appertaining  to  that  character.  It  is  not  however  to 
be  concealed  that  such  emigrants  may,  by  a change  of  climate,  and  a 
connection  with  a people  speaking  a different  language  from  their  own, 
be  subjected  for  a time  to  inconveniences  and  embarrassments.  These 
may  however  be  surmounted,  and  the  children  of  the  emigrants  will  be 
born  to  a better  inheritance,  and  brighter  prospects,  than  awaited  the  na- 
tivity of  their  parents. 

Your  Committee  have  received  information,  that  a meeting  of  a num- 
ber of  respectable  coloured  persons  in  this  city  has  been  held,  at  which 
the  propositions  of  President  Boyer  were  read  and  highly  approved. 

Without  entering  more  minutely  into  the  subject,  your  Committee 
would  briefly  express  the  conclusion  at  which  they  have  arrived — That 
in  their  opinion,  the  circumstances  and  prospects  of  a large  proportion 
of  our  coloured  population  would  be  essentially  improved  by  becoming 
citizens  of  Hayti.  They  therefore  think  that  the  emigration  of  such 
persons  to  that  country,  ought  to  be  promoted. 

As  the  object  proposed  to  be  effected  by  the  preceding  remarks,  can- 
not be  compassed  by  individual  exertions,  but  will  require  concert  of 
action,  the  Committee  would  submit  the  following  resolutions  for  the  adop- 
tion of  their  fellow  citizens,  from  whom  they  derived  their  appointment. 

The  resolutions  reported  by  the  Committee,  after  some  amendments, 
passed  as  follows  : — 

Resolved,  That  it  is  expedient  to  form  a Society,  to  be  called  “ The 
Society  for  promoting  the  Emigration  of  F ree  Personsof  Colour  to  Hayti.’} 

Resolved , That  a subscription  of  twenty  dollars  shall  entitle  the  sub- 
scriber to  be  a member  of  said  Society  for  life,  and  an  annual  subscrip- 
tion of  three  dollars  shall  entitle  the  subscriber  to  the  right  of  member- 
ship during  the  continuance  of  said  subscription. 

Resolved , That  the  business  and  affairs  of  said  Society  shall  be  con- 
ducted by  a Board  of  Managers,  to  consist  of  twenty-five  of  its  members, 
and  that  until  the  organization  of  said  Society,  the  following  persons 
shall  compose  said  Board. 

A committee  was  then  appointed  to  nominate  the  Managers,  who 
reported  the  following  names,  which  were  approved  by  the  meeting : — 


31 


MATTHEW  CLARKSON, 
C.  D COLDEN, 

PETER  JAY, 

GEO.  NEWBOLD, 

JON.  WAIN  WRIGHT, 
THOMAS  EDDY, 
ROBERT  C CORNELL, 
JOHN  GRISCOM, 

L.  D DEWEY, 

JOSHUA  UNDERHILL, 
ISAAC  COLLINS, 

JOHN  PINTARD, 


STEPHEN  ALLEN, 
JOHN  E.  HYDE, 

JOSEPH  SMITH, 

JAMES  PALMER, 

JOHN  R.  WILLIS, 
NAJAH  TAYLOR, 

JOHN  R.  HURD, 
WILLIAM  COLGATE, 
SAMUEL  COWDREY, 
CORNELIUS  DUBOIS, 
THEODORE  DWIGHT, 
JONATHAN  GOODHUE, 


H.  KETCHUM. 


Citizen  Granville,  the  Agent  of  President  Boyer,  who  had  been  pre- 
viously introduced  by  Thomas  Eddy,  then  requested  permission  to 
address  a few  remarks  to  the  meeting,  which  was  cheerfully  granted. 
Through  the  medium  of  Professor  Griscom,  who  officiated  as  interpre- 
ter, Citizen  Granville  expressed  his  warm  acknowledgments  for  the 
measures  which  had  been  adopted  to  promote  the  views  of  his  govern- 
ment; and  as  a private  citizen  requested  permission  for  himself  and 
•ountrymen  to  make  pecuniary  contributions  to  the  Society  when  it 
should  be  formed,  in  aid  of  its  benevolent  views.  Whereupon  the  fol- 
lowing resolution  was  introduced  by  Dr.  Wainwright,  and  adopted. 

Resolved,  That  this  meeting  highly  appreciate  the  liberal  offer  made 
by  Citizen  Granville,  and  recommend  that  the  Society  hereafter  to  be 
formed  accede  to  the  proposition  made  by  him  in  behalf  of  himself  and 
countrymen. 

A very  well  written  and  interesting  communication,  addressed  to 
Thomas  Eddy  and  others,  from  Samuel  E.  Cornish,  Peter  Williams, 
and  others,  a committee  appointed  by  a Meeting  of  Coloured  Persons 
held  in  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  Elm-street,  on  the  16th  inst.  to 
deliberate  upon  the  offers  made  by  President  Boyer,  was  then  read, 
and  referred  to  the  Managers  of  the  contemplated  Society.  The  meet- 
ing then  adjourned. 

THOMAS  EDDY,  Chairman. 

H.  KETCHUM,  Secretary. 

The  Board  of  Managers  met  at  the  Governor’s  Room  in  the  New- 
York  Hospital,  on  Tuesday,  the  29th  day  of  June,  ult.  and  organized. 

General  MATTHEW  CLARKSON  was  chosen  President,  H. 
KETCHUM,  Secretary,  and  ROBERT  C.  CORNELL,  Treasurer. 

The  Committee  to  receive  donations  from  the  citizens,  and  to  em- 
ploy agents  to  obtain  subscriptions  is  composed  of, 

ROBERT  C.  CORNELL, 
JOHN  R.  WILLIS, 
SAMUEL  COWDREY. 


A Corresponding  Committee  was  appointed;  also  a Committee  to 
prepare  an  address  to  the  public. 

The  following  persons  were  appointed  a Committee  to  digest  a gen- 
eral plan  of  proceedings  for  the  Society  , and  to  confer  with  a Commit- 
tee, appointed  at  a Meeting  of  Coloured  Persons,  who  intend  forming 
an  Auxiliary  Society. 

THOMAS  EDDY,  JOSHUA  UNDERHILL. 

LORING  D.  DEWEY,  GEORGE  NEWROLP 


32 


Note. — St.  Domingo,  Hispaniola,  or  as  it  was  originally  called  by  the  natives,  Hayti 
was  discovered  by  Columbus,  December  6th,  1492  —This  Island  is  in  Lat  18  20  North, 
and  in  Lon.  68  40  West;  extending  150  miles  from  North  to  South,  and  480  miles 
from  East  to  West— containing  1432  square  miles,  and  is,  except  Cuba,  (from  which 
it  is  separated  by  a strait  of  36  miles,  called  the  Windward  Passage,)  the  largest,  the 
most  fertile  and  pleasant  Island  in  the  West  Indies.  The  general  salubrity  of  the 
climate — beauty  of  scenery — comprising  mountains  of  great  altitude,  covered  with 
verdure— magnificent  plains  every  where  well  watered,  and  in  consequence  spread 
over  with  the  most  luxuriant  vegetation,  renders  this  Island  a most  inviting  and  desira- 
ble residence.  There  are  but  two  seasons  in  the  year,  and  they  are  equally  fine  In 
the  delightful  vales  of  the  Island,  the  sweets  of  spring  are  enjoyed  without  either  win- 
ter or  summer,— the  ground  always  laden  with  fruit,  and  covered  with  flowers  From  the 
situation  of  this  Island,  it  might  be  supposed  to  suffer  from  intense  heat,  but  this  is 
provided  against  by  frequent  refreshing  rains,  and  an  alternate  East  and  West  wind, 
which  blows  with  great  regularity.  Its  salubrity  is  also  in  a great  degree  owing  to  the 
beautiful  variety  of  its  surface,  exhibiting  hills  and  vallies.  woods  and  rivers.  It 
contains  forests  of  palms,  elms,  oaks,  pines,  mahogany,  and  numerous  other  trees, 
and  it  is  generally  agreed  that  the  pine  apples,  grapes,  oranges,  lemons,  limes,  citrons, 
figs,  dates,  apricots,  peaches,  and  other  fruits,  have  a peculiarly  fine  flavour  in  Hayti. 

The  Island  abounds  in  wholesome  water,  but  so  cold  in  the  interior,  that  it  must  be 
drank  with  care,  and  is  dangerous  for  bathing.  It  contains  several  lakes,  very  nume- 
rous rivers,  several  of  which,  viz: — Ozama,  Macoris,  Yaquay,  Yuna,  La  Neyva^ 
L’Usaque,  Artibonite,  are  large  and  well  stocked  with  fish. 

In  1789,  trie  population  was  1,240,000  and  is  now  [1824,]  supposed  to  exceed  twt> 
millions,  and  if  well  cultivated,  this  Island  is  capable  of  supporting  a population  of 
from  eight  to  ten  millions. 

In  1791  the  value  of  exports  from  this  Island  exceeded  £5,370,000  sterling,  oi 
$23,832,000 — comprised  in — 

84,617,328  lbs  of  . . . Coffee, 

217,463  hhds  of  . . Sugar, 

3,257,610  lbs.  of  . . . Indigo, 

1,526,017  lbs.  of  . . . Cocoa, 

11,317,226  lbs.  of  . . . Cotton, 

34,453,000  lbs.  of  . . . Syrup, 

besides  corn,  ginger,  tobacco,  salt,  wax,  honey,  ambergris,  a variety  of  drugs,  dyers’  woods, 
mahogany,  &c.  &c.  &c.  The  number  of  F rench  vessels’ employed  in  1789,  was  710, 
and  at  one  period  the  whole  Island  employed  1070  vessels,  navigated  by  7936  seamen 

The  chief  towns  are  Port-au-Prince,  containing  120,000  inhabitants;  AuxCayes, 
90,000;  Cape  Francois  90,000 ; St.  Domingo,  70,000 ; Jeremie, Petit  Goaves,  Laogane, 
and  numerous  small  towns  and  villages. 

The  Independence  of  Hayti  was  proclaimed  on  the  29th  of  Nov.  1803,  and  having 
obtained  in  1821  a session  of  the  Spanish  part,  by  consent  of  its  inhabitants,  the  whole 
of  this  most  extensive,  valuable,  and  interesting  Island  came  under  the  authority  and 
protection  of  J.  P.  Bover.  President  of  the  Republic  of  Hayti,  and  now  enjoys  profound 
peace,  and  is  earnestly  cultivating  a knowledge  of  the  arts  and  sciences.  They  have 
established  Lancasterian  schools,  academies,  colleges,  &c.,  supported  at  public  ex- 
pense. 

Their  militia  system  is  somewhat  similar  to  that  of  the  L'nited  States.  Their  stand 
ing  army  of  200,000  men,  cavalry,  infantry,  and  artillery,  &c.,  is  as  well  disciplined, 
officered,  armed,  and  equipped,  as  that  of  any  regular  army  of  any  other  country. 
Their  navy  is  yet  but  small,  say  16  vessels,  and  these  are  chiefly  employed  in  prevent- 
ing and  detecting  pirates  and  smugglers. 

Memorandum. — A Map  and  a more.complete  and  detailed  description  of  Hayti,  wiH 
probably  be  published  as  soon  as  Citizen  J.  Granville  receives  the  necessary  documents 
from  his  government,  which  he  has  requested,  and  now  daily  expects  containing  a 
statistical  account  of  its  productions,  exports,  imports,  &c.  &c.,  for  the  last  four  years. 


THE  END. 


